Walmgate Bar
Walmgate Bar is the south-eastern gateway through York's medieval city walls, and the only one of the city's four main bars that still has its barbican, the walled outer passage in front of the gate. It also keeps its portcullis and 15th-century doors, and you can walk the walls from here.
Photos
jeff turl
A gate built in layers
The oldest part is a 12th-century round arch; most of the stonework dates from the 14th century, when much of York's wall was built. The wooden gates date from the 1400s, and on the inner, city-facing side a timber-framed extension was added in the reign of Elizabeth I to give more living space. The mix of building periods is easy to read from the street, with stone, timber and later repairs side by side.
Why the barbican matters
Every main York bar once had a barbican, but the Victorians demolished the others to ease traffic. Walmgate's survived, so this is the best place in the city to picture how a medieval gate was defended. It took damage during the Parliamentarian siege of York in the Civil War.
Visiting
The Elizabethan rooms house a small café, Gatehouse Coffee, so you can sit inside the gate itself. Steps lead up to the wall walk, heading towards Fishergate Postern or Red Tower. Walmgate, with Hotel Indigo and Brew York, runs back towards the centre. It is a quieter spot than Bootham or Micklegate Bar, so it is good for photographs without crowds.
Highlights
- Only York bar with its barbican intact
- Portcullis and 15th-century gates
- 12th-century arch at its core
- Café in the Elizabethan timber-framed rooms
- Access to the city walls walk
Good to know
- Part of the free York city walls walk; walls are generally closed at dusk and in icy weather.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: realyorkshireblog.com